Witherbys makes press and folder investment

Print Solutions

London printer Witherbys is commissioning a Speedmaster XL 75-6 and undertaking training on a new Stahlfolder CH 56.

The investment is all about automation and increasing productivity. The top of the range Speedmaster XL 75-6 replaces a Speedmaster SX 74 to provide higher speed and output without compromise to the quality which has secured Witherbys its strong reputation in the City and West End. The press, which will run on double day shifts, will produce colour work including high quality brochures and auction catalogues.

Litho remains a strong element of the company’s business, about 80% of its turnover. However, two years ago it acquired Abacus Print with its two Xerox machines which has increased the digital work.

With an increased volume of short runs automation becomes key and the Stahlfolder CH56 is the first highly automated folding machine the company has bought. It will run in addition to two existing combination folders supplied by Heidelberg.

‘The operators appear very comfortable moving to the more automated folder. The interface is very similar to the Stitchmaster ST 350 we had from Heidelberg so this purchase is a natural progression for us. The short runs means that faster set up times are all important,’ said James Greene, managing director of Witherbys.